NEW BOCA GRANDE PASS TARPON
FISHING RULE SET TO TAKE EFFECT
CONTACT: Lee Schlesinger (850) 487-0554
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) advised anglers today that a rule approved last year for the popular Boca Grande Pass recreational tarpon fishery takes effect April 1. This measure is intended to reduce user conflicts in the pass and decrease the amount of non-degradable material deposited on the floor of the pass by anglers.
Boca Grande Pass is a congested fishing area during the spring tarpon fishing season. To help alleviate conflicts between fishermen in this area, the new rule prohibits use of more than three fishing lines per vessel to harvest any species of fish in Boca Grande Pass during April, May and June.
The intentional discharge of lead weights by anglers while fishing in Boca Grande Pass also is addressed by the new FWC rule. In recent years, pass clean-up events have removed several tons of fishing debris and litter from the sea bottom, including lead weights, jig heads, fishing line, crab traps and anchors.
To help reduce the accumulation of fishing debris, the new rule prohibits use of breakaway gear to harvest any fish in the pass during April, May and June. Breakaway gear is defined as any bob, float, weight, lure or spoon that is affixed to a fishing line or hook with wire, line, rubber bands, plastic ties or other fasteners designed to break off when a fish is caught.
The FWC intends to focus on an educational approach this spring regarding implementation of the breakaway gear rule in Boca Grande Pass. The Commission encourages fishermen to refrain voluntarily from using any gear that is likely to break away from fishing line and develop rigging techniques that reduce the likelihood of debris on the bottom of the pass. Fishermen are also encouraged to respect others fishing in the pass and operate their boats safely.
Anglers can find more information regarding tarpon fishing regulations, use of appropriate tackle and proper fishing and boating behavior in this world-renowned fishery in the FWCs free brochure titled Tarpon Fishing in Boca Grande Pass. The brochure is available at numerous locations in the Charlotte Harbor/Boca Grande area, and online at http://myfwc.com/marine/Tarpon_brochure.pdf .
FISHING RULE SET TO TAKE EFFECT
CONTACT: Lee Schlesinger (850) 487-0554
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) advised anglers today that a rule approved last year for the popular Boca Grande Pass recreational tarpon fishery takes effect April 1. This measure is intended to reduce user conflicts in the pass and decrease the amount of non-degradable material deposited on the floor of the pass by anglers.
Boca Grande Pass is a congested fishing area during the spring tarpon fishing season. To help alleviate conflicts between fishermen in this area, the new rule prohibits use of more than three fishing lines per vessel to harvest any species of fish in Boca Grande Pass during April, May and June.
The intentional discharge of lead weights by anglers while fishing in Boca Grande Pass also is addressed by the new FWC rule. In recent years, pass clean-up events have removed several tons of fishing debris and litter from the sea bottom, including lead weights, jig heads, fishing line, crab traps and anchors.
To help reduce the accumulation of fishing debris, the new rule prohibits use of breakaway gear to harvest any fish in the pass during April, May and June. Breakaway gear is defined as any bob, float, weight, lure or spoon that is affixed to a fishing line or hook with wire, line, rubber bands, plastic ties or other fasteners designed to break off when a fish is caught.
The FWC intends to focus on an educational approach this spring regarding implementation of the breakaway gear rule in Boca Grande Pass. The Commission encourages fishermen to refrain voluntarily from using any gear that is likely to break away from fishing line and develop rigging techniques that reduce the likelihood of debris on the bottom of the pass. Fishermen are also encouraged to respect others fishing in the pass and operate their boats safely.
Anglers can find more information regarding tarpon fishing regulations, use of appropriate tackle and proper fishing and boating behavior in this world-renowned fishery in the FWCs free brochure titled Tarpon Fishing in Boca Grande Pass. The brochure is available at numerous locations in the Charlotte Harbor/Boca Grande area, and online at http://myfwc.com/marine/Tarpon_brochure.pdf .
